RALEIGH -- Traffic fatalities took the lives of more than 40,000 people in the United States in 2016, according to the National Safety Council.

The CDC says approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in distracted-driver related crashes in the U.S. each year. While tragic, crashes due to distraction can be prevented through awareness and education.  

Travelers Insurance kicked off a nationwide campaign Monday at NC State, focused on encouraging drivers, passengers and pedestrians to speak up when they see distracted drivers.

The Every Second Matters symposium series convenes professionals from the public and private sectors to explore new data on why drivers are losing focus and introduce innovative tools to help reduce distractions

Our Caroline Blair sat down with the President of Travelers Insurance, for a look at their awareness initiative. For more information on the program, visit their website.